WINEMAKING
This wine is produced from grapes harvested in vineyards that are over 20 years
old in the area around Villalba and Haro in Rioja Alta. They are bush pruned, with
low yields, and hand harvested. Only the healthiest and ripest grapes are
selected, and following destalking, the grapes are cold macerated prior to a cold
temperature fermentation. Following a long maceration to achieve optimum
colour and structure, the wine goes through a malolactic fermentation, to refine
the wine, and to leave it with the necessary acidity to complete its American and
French oak maturation, and subsequent bottle ageing prior to its release to the
market.

VINTAGE / HARVEST DESCRIPTION
Vintage slightly ahead of previous years due to a very hot summer and little rainfall. However, the rains in mid-September (16-18) not only helped to solve the problems of water stress and regain some vineyards production expectations, but were critical to the final quality of the harvest. They balanced the alcoholic maturity and phenolic maturity, yeilding a crop of very good quality.

TASTING NOTES
Intense ruby red color. The nose is rich and enticing with black and red berry fruit and liquorice notes. The palate is generously fruity with toasty oak, supple tannins and savoury balsamic nuances and a long finish.